Ideal 3" 20 g. Steel load?

[mandrakeduck]

In certain areas I am required to use non-toxic.

When using steel in my 20 g., what 3" load do you feel is ideal for pheasant. I'm currently using 3" #4 Kent Fast Steel with a modified choke. I'm considering bumping up to #2 because I hit a few birds (could see the impact and feathers fly) and did not bring them down this season.

[Will]

My son used the same load you're using with good luck. Wouldn't hurt to try #2's but you're really starting to limit the amount of shot you're putting out there. Please let us know what you liked best.

[Greg Jennings]

Try Federal Black Cloud if you insist on steel.

If there weren't that many places that require it, I'd just bite the bullet and get Hevi Shot or similar.

[mandrakeduck]

My son used the same load you're using with good luck. Wouldn't hurt to try #2's but you're really starting to limit the amount of shot you're putting out there. Please let us know what you liked best.

One day last Dec. I used the #2 to jump shooting Ducks and quickly brought down a Mallard Drake and a crested duck. Both were passing shots.

We are going out in a couple weeks for four days of wild pheasant and ducks. I'll shoot lead on the pheasants and #2 on the ducks. I'll let you all know how the #2 performed on the Ducks (assuming I get any shots).

[Will]

Oh I thought you needed to use steel on pheasants. My mistake. I use 2's on ducks (what little I have gone) with good luck. I'm sure it would be perfectly fine for pheasants also if you can make the shot....and if you can make the shot on passing ducks...well I'd say no problems then!!